stealing from friends

Last month, I attended a health and beauty exchange with some of my favorite ladies.  For those unfamiliar with this type of event, it is like a Yankee Swap but far more fabulous.  Here's how it works: you set a price point for a favorite health or beauty item; buy enough for all who will be in attendance; and get together to exchange and dish on your health and beauty secrets.  So fun, right?! 

I picked up some helpful tricks of the trade, and a few particulars have already been implemented in my own personal regime:

All About Eyes, $30 for 0.5 oz.
by Clinique
Available at Sephora

The lovely Genevieve shared a beauty secret she learned during her time in France: under-eye cream is a MUST.  She swears by Clinique's All About Eyes, applied twice daily as part of her morning and evening routine.  Since my under-eyes haven't exactly received rave reviews since my adventures as a fashionista became the unheeled adventures of fashionista and baby, I had to try it for myself.  I have been using All About Eyes for only a couple of weeks now so I can't speak to the long-term results, but I already love the restorative, moisturizing lightness of this cream and the fact that a little goes a long way.  Hopefully I am also on my way towards looking as fresh-faced as Genevieve and the tres chic women of France.

 

Almond Supple Skin Oil, $40
by L'Occitane

The lovely Mary shared a very helpful beauty secret for expectant mamas, the Almond Supple Skin Oil from L'Occitane.  Having recently moved into my third-trimester, this seemed like a necessity.  Made of almond and Cameline oil, your skin is left feeling deeply moisturized and more toned.  It is safe to apply all over, and since I find the summer to be a very drying season, particularly as Harper and I frequent the pool, I've also been using it on my legs to combat dryness.  I had shied away from oils in the past for fear that I would feel greasy or sticky, but this oil is light and absorbs into the skin quickly.  Those who know me also know that I am olfactorily-challenged, but from what I have heard, the scent is delicious too!

Sugar Shine Lip Treatment, $18.50
by Fresh
Available at Sephora

 
The lovely Aimee introduced me to Fresh's Sugar Shine Lip Treatment, and I am a total convert.  In the past, I have used and loved their Sugar Advanced Therapy, and so I trust Fresh implicitly.  While it is difficult to compete with Sara Happ's Lip Slip, which has been my glossy go-to for what feels like forever, the Sugar Shine Lip Treatment brings the amazing powers of Fresh to a shiny new place.  This all-in-one lip remedy is neither heavy nor sticky, but it moisturizes while also adding gloss and a subtle sheen.   All of this has earned it a place in my handbag to be used for any and every occasion; I am completely obsessed.

I feel very fortunate to be in the mix with some totally dialed-in girlies and to have the opportunity to beg, borrow, and steal their secrets to health and beauty.  Hopefully this will be the first of many health and beauty exchanges to come!

Thirteen Things for 2013

Since my last post, summer turned to fall, which turned to winter...which turned to 2013.  Yikes, how the time flies.  So happy New Year to my long neglected but still greatly beloved friends at She's Come Unheeled!  In honor of the New Year and new resolutions ("blog more" is obviously included on my list), I wanted to share thirteen things  that I am already loving or want/need/havetohave in 2013.

Vinyasa Scarf, $48
by Lululemon

Vinyasa Scarf: My amazing sister got me this scarf for Christmas, and it is pretty much the best thing ever.  Its basic function is like an infinity scarf, but this one snaps together so it can essentially be worn in infinity different ways too!  So far, I have only worn it in two ways: snood-style and hood.  I was in Florida last month, and when the temperature dipped towards chilly, this scarf was my go-to accessory to stay warm.  Plus, for you Lulu-addicts like me, this scarf is made with soft Rulu, Lulu's signature running luon fabric that's moisture-wicking and breathable so you won't overheat.  In my humble opinion, this one is a wardrobe must.

My Vinyasa Scarf in action on the Florida beach!

Thickening Mascara, $30
by Trish McEvoy
Available at Nordstrom

Thickening Mascara: Trish McEvoy's new mascara is my new cosmetic obsession.  It promises a "formal, false lash effect," a marketing sentiment that was pretty much guaranteed to reel me in (as my husband says, I'm a "marketer's dream").  Nevertheless, I've been using it for months now, and I completely love it.  When I originally made my purchase, I was disappointed to learn that this mascara doesn't have the same tubing effect as Trish's other mascaras, which was one of the primary reasons I started using Trish mascara in the first place.  However, the girl at the Trish counter at Nordstrom advised me to layer this one over my faithful Lash Curling mascara so that I could sort of cheat my way to the tubing effect I desired.  Well, my Lash Curling recently ran out, and after a minor panic attack, I just forged ahead and used the Thickening Mascara by itself.  I have to admit that it works a LOT better on its own!  While no mascara on the planet is able to fully achieve the false-lash look, this one really does do a fabulous job of thickening and building my lashes to make them fan out and really pop.  Every girl needs this.

Harper's new pink TOMS

TOMS: It took me a while to jump on the TOMS bandwagon, but when my mother gave me a pair of fuzzy-lined wool TOMS for my birthday last summer, I was sold (see above sunset photo--I'm rocking my Vinyasa Scarf and my TOMS at the same time, holler!).  The cozy lining helped me transition into the cooler fall months, and the TOMS style is both comfortable and versatile.  Of course, their "One for One" mission (with every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need) is amazing too and reason in itself to support TOMS.  Then I also realized that they make BABY TOMS!  They are basically the cutest footwear you will ever see, but I did have trouble committing to a purchase when Harper is at an age where she is growing out of her clothes faster than I can possibly keep up with.  SO...you can imagine how thrilled I was to find a pair of pink baby TOMS at my local kids' consignment shop just this week, and (wonder of all wonders) they were actually in Harper's size.  How can you not just melt when you see itty bitty TOMS?  Really now.

Frenzy, $27
by Chanel

Chanel Frenzy: Yes, while it's true that I am constantly in a state of Chanel frenzy, what I'm actually referring to Frenzy with a capital "F," from Chanel's Fall 2012 nail color line.  My sister gave me a bottle for a hostess gift at Thanksgiving, and it instantly became my favorite neutral.  Move over, Sand Tropez!  While the Essie color formerly occupied by number one spot, Frenzy bumped it down a notch.  The stony khaki color accomplishes a feat that every neutral should: it is visible yet nude.  That is to say, this shade of smokey greyish beige (dare I say, greige?)packs enough punch that it doesn't wash you out, even in the doldrums of winter, but it also won't compete with other colors you might be wearing on a given day.  As a neutral, I personally feel that it can be worn regardless of the season, and if you're going to shell out the big bucks for a Chanel polish, I think that is an important qualifier.

Tumbled Leather Reva Ballet Flat
in party fuschia, $235
by Tory Burch

Reva Flat: As I've already confessed, since having my baby, I have Come Unheeled in more ways than one.  Most often, I mean this literally, as my heels have been sadly neglected for the last 14 months.  It's basically an issue of practicality, since I find it easier to carry Harper and all her gear when I haven't added an extra four inches.  I also took a new job last spring and spend a lot of my work day walking between buildings on an urban campus, which is also a lot easier to do in flats.  All that being said, I have finally discovered for myself why Tory Burch's Reva Flat is so wildly popular.  I could truly wear this shoe everyday.  It is cute yet completely comfortable, not to mention Tory is always coming out with new, irresistible color options.  On that note, I'm loving the Reva in party fuschia, a bold pink patent leather that is just perfect for spring.  And also Valentine's Day (calling all cupids!).

Delightful GM, $1,340
by Louis Vuitton

Louis: I am turning 30 this year (gasp!).  For some time now, it has been my plan to own the Chanel Grand Shopper by the time I turned 30.  In the event that it didn't happen, plan B was to purchase the Chanel Grand Shopper for myself on my 30th birthday.  I mean, birthday at Chanel?  That hardly sounds bad!  Unfortunately, Chanel isn't exactly in the budget right now.  Sigh.  Still, I have my heart set on a fancy new bag for my fancy new decade...  Fortunately, there is no shortage of gorgeous bags in the world, and that is precisely where Louis comes in.  I discovered Louis Vuitton's Delightful GM a couple of years ago, and it definitely made an impression.  First of all, it's HUGE.  Forget Mary Poppins' bag, this one can fit way more stuff--and that's totally key for a girl on the go.  Of course, the monogram canvas is classic, perhaps even a staple in the fashion community, but the I like the way the slouchy hobo style gives this particular bag a more relaxed vibe.  The one tiny downside is that the Delightful GM isn't customizable with Louis' Mon Monogram Collection, but that's so not a deal-breaker.  With eight months to go until my big birthday, I'm now on the search for a fairy godmother, preferably one with an in at Louis Vuitton, but in the meantime, I'll have to start saving.

Sperry Top Sider for J. Crew
in platinum gold, $98

Gold Topsiders: I've been debating the purchase of gold Sperrys for well over two years now.  Clearly, I have problems with indecision, but when I received some J. Crew gift credit over the Christmas holiday, I knew the time to hesitate was through.  I am happy to report that I'm now the proud owner of my very own shiny, metallic Sperrys.  While I won't be able to wear them for several more months, in the meantime, they are sitting happily in my closet, just the golden beacon of light that I need to make it through the long, cold winter.  Like I said, I'm turning 30 this year so I need to make it a golden one.

Say Yes "Yes" Necklace, $78
by Kate Spade 

Kate Spade Wedding: My college bff is getting married this spring so I have lately been obsessing over Kate Spade's Wedding Belles collection with her mind.  Whether for the bride, bridesmaids, or honeymoon, each item is pretty and timeless, with a little bit of whimsy. People say that a woman never looks more beautiful as the day she is married, and I love the way Kate Spade's collection celebrates this very idea of the bride as a beautiful wedding belle.  With pure sentiments like this "Yes" necklace, sacred vows are honored in a fashionably sweet way.  Yay for goin' to the chapel!

Rolled Slim in Lily Dot, $198
from Marc by Marc Jacobs
Available at Bloomingdales

Polka Dot: I inherited my affinity for patterns and prints from my mother, who especially loves polka dots.  Really though, who doesn't?  So I was immediately attracted to these fun jeans from Marc by Marc Jacobs.  Here, the inherent femininity of a pretty little polka dot is turned on its nose with fading and distressing.  I love the resulting casual but girly aesthetic, perfect for spring and summer.  Now I just need them to go on sale!

Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20- Illuminating
in warm radiance, $43
by Laura Mercier
Available at Sephora

Fake Flawless Skin: I received a free sample of Laura Mercier's Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 from Sephora a while back.  I threw it in my make-up bag and didn't think much more about it...until my early sleepless nights with a new baby had me looking a little less than rested.  Without an under-eye concealer handy, I thought I might use it as a stand-in.  Now I am loving it!  Admittedly, it is not supposed to be used as under-eye concealer.  However, I tend to shy away from heavy or more pronounced cosmetic products, which concealers often are, and so this tinted moisturizer is much more my speed.  As a lightweight, sheer foundation with a hint of sheen and color, I've found that it masks any under-eye shadows and instead gives my eyes a fresh, almost dewy look.  Of course, I'm sure it also works fabulously when applied as intended, as a tinted allover facial moisturizer.  I haven't actually tried that yet, but I'll be sure to report back if I do.

Pyramid Stud Silicone Case
in blazer blue, $45
by Tory Burch

Tech Accessories: My beloved Kate Spade iPhone case looks like it has seen better days (it has) so I have recently been on a request to find a replacement.  After recently finding myself on the losing end of a heated Ebay bidding war for the case I really wanted and couldn't find anywhere, I had to accept that maybe there were other fish in the sea.  I'm happy to report that there are!  I came across this Pyramid Silicone Stud case by Tory Burch online the other day, and it might be just the fish I'm looking for.  As I've said before, I'm a sucker for studs and spikes so I'm loving their very practical manifestation here.  This case is available in "blazer blue" and "royal fuschia."  While I'm typically more of an everymustbepink type of girl, I'm actually feeling drawn to the blue.  I feel like the "blazer blue" (navy) gives the studs a more subtle, dignified feel, perfect for the New Year and a more grown-up me.

Keeper Chambray Shirt, $78
by J. Crew

Chambray: My husband loves chambray, which is only further evidence that my born-and-bred California boy is becoming more of a New Englander with each passing day.  He has several chambray shirts, but up until recently, my personal chambray count was 0. So you can imagine how excited I was to unwrap one of his Christmas gifts to me and to discover my very own chambray shirt inside!  I am drawn to casual, effortless feel of chambray, but I also like that it can be dressed up by tucking it into a skirt.  About a month ago, I saw the cutest outfit on display in the J. Crew window, where the chambray shirt was tucked into a red and green plaid skirt and paired with black tights and a statement necklace.  Now I just need to complete the rest of that outfit!

Cultured Pearl Earrings, $925
by Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany Pearls: I received my Tiffany pearl earrings from my mother when I was in college, and I have worn them pretty much everyday since.  Pearls are, of course, timeless and elegant, and there isn't an outfit on the planet that doesn't look better with pearls.  Recently, however, I have begun to feel like my pearls need a new look.  I had been debating going one size bigger than the pearls I already have--that is, until I saw Tiffany's cultured pearl earrings.  A stunning adaptation of the traditional pearl look, these earrings are 18k white gold with cultured pearls and round brilliant diamonds.  They are nothing short of breathtaking, and if I were so lucky as to have these, I feel that I can quite honestly say I would never need another pair of earrings again.  

So there you have it.  As you can see, while I'm making every attempt to be practical these days, I simply can't help but dream big.  However, I would feel remiss if I didn't mention how blessed I feel for all the things I already have.  In fact, just this morning, when I mentioned the handbag on my wishlist, my husband reminded me that I don't need a handbag to feel like I have arrived--that the little girl asleep in the backseat of the car during our conversation was evidence of how far I have come in life.  While I don't like conceding, he was/is undeniably right.  I have so much to be grateful for, and I feel lucky for that everyday.  BUT...I still want my Louis bag.  And on that note, until next time, happy New Year--and happy shopping!

Episode 11: Best Mascara Ever

Ever since I started wearing make up, mascara has been a staple for me.  While my general cosmetic look is on the subtle side, I've never been one to skimp on eye make up--and especially mascara (much to my mother's chagrin, as my adolescent mascara removing efforts often resulted in stained face towels).  It is perhaps for this reason that I've devoted so many past posts to my search for the latest and greatest mascara.  For a while, I was convinced that  DiorShow was the ultimate-- that is, until my dear friend, India, told me about Trish McEvoy mascara.  Trish's amazing mascara has revolutionized my eye make up experience, and for that I am thankful--once again--to my fabulously fashion forward friend.

Mascara by Trish McCoy

I'm partial to Trish McEvoy's
Lash Curling Mascara, $30

Both Trish's High Volume and Lash Curling mascaras are made of the same water resistant formula, designed to "tube" around your lashes.  The tubular formula means that each lash is coated completely, dries instantly, and will not smudge.  Yet, as soon as it's time to remove your mascara for the day, you need not worry about fancy make up remover or staining your face towels.  Rather, by rinsing with warm water, the mascara tubes simply slide right off your lashes.  In my view, this is the best of both worlds: amazing coverage and rich, dark lashes with no mess to clean up at the end of the day.  Best. Mascara. Ever.  So thank you, my lovely luscious-lashed India, for sharing such an amazing beauty staple with me--and revolutionizing my lash line.

Sephora Loves Vampires Too!



Limited Edition tarte for True Blood Collection,
Available Exclusively from Sephora



If you're all about vampires these days (think: the Twilight Saga, Vampire Diaries and True Blood--just to name a few), consider yourself in good, fang-banging company.  This Saturday, August 13, Sephora will be hosting the tarte™ for True Blood™ Makeup Event.  For those lucky cosmetics-loving True Blood fans in Boston, San Francisco, and Aventura (that last one's in Florida), stop by Sephora on Saturday afternoon to test out the limited edition True Blood collection by tarte.

 The limited edition collection from tarte--the brand that prides itself on simply chic and seriously healthy cosmetics--features a vampy eye color palette, natural cheek stain, and an iridescent red lip tint.  Vampire obsession aside, the eye color palette that will be sold for $52 is actually valued at $331 and includes 17 eye shadows, gel eyeliner, mascara, and eye primer; now, how's that for stretching the dollar?  With shadow colors like "werewolf," a matte chocolate; "glamour me," a shimmery plum; and "the true death," a glittering silver, you will look tasty enough to compete with Sookie Stackhouse in all her sassy, blonde glory--hello, Eric Northman!



Just Like Honey, Baby (from a bee)

Fresh Sugar Honey Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15, $22.50
Available exclusively from Sephora

Last year, I raved about Fresh's line of feel-good beauty products, which I continue to adore to this very day.  More specfically, however, I profiled their life-changing Sugar Lip Treatment and the release of Sugar Plum and Sugar Rose, two subtly tinted shades of said lip treatment.  Well, just when I thought that we were all just as fresh and clean as we could possibly get, today I discovered that Fresh went sweet.  As in honey.

close-up of Sugar Honey

Each shade in Fresh's line of Sugar Lip Treatments is formulated with ingredients to nourish and protect the lips, and Sugar Honey is no exception.  Sugar (the real deal--not that artificial stuff) ensures long-lasting moisture, while antioxidant-rich vitamins defend against wrinkle-causing free radicals, and SPF 15 protects your kisser from the damaging effects of UV rays.  But what separates Sugar Honey from its sugar sweet predecessors, Plum and Rose, is its warm nude tint that adds a summery warmth and radiance to your look.

With the sizzling days of summer just around the corner, Sugar Honey gloss embraces this summer's gold cosmetic trend.  You can maximize your look by wearing Sugar Honey with a subtle shimmer of golden bronzer like Trish McEvoy's Shimmer Bronze Pressed Powder.  Or, if you're all about the drama (don't worry, I get it), wear your soft Sugar Honey lip color to play up a bold eye; I'm currently obsessing over Laura Mercier's  Baked Eye Colour in Black Karat.  But no matter what you're choose, it's sugar to be sweet.  Just like honey, baby, from a bee.



Trish McEvoy Shimmer Bronze Pressed Powder, $32

 


Laura Mercier Baked Eye Colour in Black Karat, $22
Available from Sephora



Here, Kitty Kitty

Sunglasses are perhaps my favorite accessory. Winter, spring, summer, fall--I simply can't go without them. And as I may have mentioned before, I subscribe to the Jackie O school of sunglasses: bigger is better. In fact, if I'm wearing sunglasses, I'd prefer not to see my eyebrows. Yet, despite these rather specific parameters, once I find a pair of shades that I adore, I'm in it for the long haul. To this point, the Chloé glasses that I'm currently wearing have been my go-to pair for about three years now, and I don't think I could ever grow tired of them. That being said, there's a new trend on the sunglasses horizon that has me intrigued...

The last time we talked about cat eyes, it was all about make-up; this time, it's strictly sunglasses. This past weekend, I seized the opportunity to immerse myself in the stack of fashion magazines that had accumulated on my coffee table, and it became immediately apparent that cat eye sunglasses are all the rage. But these are not the small-framed cat eyes of bygone days. Rather, the cat eye has been reinvented, now sporting a more contemporary, over-sized look, while maintaining their vintage charm.

It seems that everyone is doing a spin on cat eyes this season, notably Ray Ban, Dior, Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Valentino, and Kate Spade--but in my view, the fairest of them all is Elizabeth and James. Elizabeth and James actually boasts several cat eye styles, which hit stores this past fall when Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's company partnered with Hong Kong-based Absolute Black Design to launch Elizabeth and James' first line of sunglasses. And as much as I'd love to hate the Olsen twins for being queens of absolutely everything, those girls really, really know their fashion. I'm basically obsessed with their Fairfax Catseye.

With an undeniable retro appeal, the Fairfax features plastic frames in either black or tortoise, with metal temples and gradient lenses. What appeals to me is their bold, over-sized look and subtle detailing that makes them stand out from the other cats out there. Typically, I'm all about black sunglasses, but I'm actually quite drawn to the tortoise this time, perhaps for its subtle geek appeal? I confess, I have yet to try them on, which is critical when purchasing sunglasses, so I can't yet speak to whether or not they can/will pass the eyebrow test, but I am absolutely going to find out. So, perhaps it's the dawning of a new era--or at least a new pair of sunglasses. Here, kitty kitty...

Information on Elizabeth and James' partnership with Absolute Black Design, thanks to NBC New York; for more information, click here.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Me! with my sister, both of us sporting big black sunglasses; (2) Just me this time! in my faithful Chloé sunglasses; (3) January Jones as Mad Men's Betty Draper, photo thanks to The Find; (4) Fairfax Catseye Sunglasses by Elizabeth and James $185, available at Saks Fifth Avenue (online at www.saksfifthavenue.com).

Lash Venom

Despite the title of today's post, I will not be talking about the cast of Twilight--not Edward's delicately applied yet utterly masculine lip gloss, nor Bella's perfect skin... In fact, there will be no talk of vampires today. Just mascara. After all, what else does a girl really need in life (or immortality)?

Lash Venom is the latest for lashes from DuWop, the infamous creators of the fabulous lip-plumping Lip Venom. Another "plumping sensation," Lash Venom's Italian-made mascara formula is said to exact volume, length, and definition, as well as instant fullness in a glossy, jet-black finish. Thanks to a combination of spheroidal powders and flexible fibers that wrap each lash completely, Lash Venom promises extreme magnification and length. Their formula also contains Vitamin E that works against smudging and flaking, not to mention lash strengthening ingredients to make your luscious lashes softer and more hydrated. While I'm intrigued, I admit that I have yet to actually try Lash Venom. However, if it's anything like its lip gloss counterpart, then it's sure to be a cosmetic success. And who knows? With a name like Lash Venom, you might just attract a Cullen of your own...

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Lash Venom $24 by DuWop, available online from Spa Look (www.spalook.com); (2) DuWop press coverage, thanks to DuWop (www.shopduwop.com).

Smokin' Hot!

Here's a fun fact: The first recorded use of grey as a color name in the English language was in AD 700.* Since then, grey has come to be associated with depression, boredom, neutrality, indefiniteness, old age, and contentment. However, as a gal who loves grey, I can't say that I agree with these rather bleak connotations. Rather, shades of grey overwhelm my closet, and as I've confessed in past weeks, grey has recently overtaken my beauty regime as well--and trust me, it's smokin' hot...

Quite literally, in the case of Smokin' Hot, a new polish from Essie's Winter 2010 collection. At first, I wasn't sure about it; I'm not a huge fan of purple, and its appearance in the bottle had an undeniably purple tone to it. Yet, the Essie website calls this nail color a "stone-cold fox gray that burns hotter than any flame," and when applied to the nails, this smoky grey is truly smoldering. As a styling tip, this color is particularly flattering for those with short, square nails; the look is subtly Parisian chic and--appropriately--smokin' hot.

And not to digress, but grey was all over London during Fashion Week this past fall, both on and off the runway. According to Olivia Bergin from the Daily Telegraph online, Grey [enjoyed] a moment as the versatile shade to perfect tricky, trans-seasonal dressing. I would venture to say that, in addition to smoothing the seasonal transition, grey also transitions rather seamlessly from day to night. It is this very fact that makes grey a staple for the gal on the go. A smart grey dress with opaque black tights and black heels is equally office friendly and dinner worthy (especially when you throw on a bit of smoky shadow en route!). You know what they say: where there's smoke there's fire, and my newly polished grey nails are equal parts versatile and (obvi) smokin' hot.

*Okay, okay, so my "fun fact" is from Wikipedia--so please feel free to correct me in the "comments" section if I'm wrong. From what I hear, the truth will set you free!

Psst... Click here to see more images from Olivia Bergin's "Fashion trend: Shades of grey" at the Daily Telegraph online.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Smokin' Hot nail color by Essie, photo thanks to Essie (www.essie.com); (2) Image from London fashion week, photo thanks to the Daily Telegraph online (http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk).

Daily Candy's "18 Best Mascaras Out There"

If I were stranded on a deserted island and could only have one cosmetic product with me, I would choose mascara. The caveat, of course, is that some sort of lip balm would be exempt from the "cosmetic" category and thus also allowed--because, if your lips are gross and chapped, not much else matters. Does that give some indication of how much I loooove and cherish my mascara? In fact--and maybe I shouldn't admit this, but we're all friends here--I can hardly stand the sight of my own reflection sans mascara. My eyes have no pop!, no affect... And perhaps for that very reason, I'm constantly in the market for the latest and greatest mascara.

Now that my confessional is out of the way, you'll understand exactly why this morning's Daily Candy email, The 18 Best Mascaras Out There, was basically written for me. Not surprisingly, several of the mascaras they selected for their top 18 are mascaras I have tried before--some I have loved, others not so much. But I was happy to note that there were also several promising possibilities for an eye make-up junkie like me. On that note, allow me to share the contents of my online shopping bag:

1.) The Smoky Lash by Make Up Forever: Daily Candy dishes, It’s the triathlete of mascara with the perfect amount of volume, the deepest shade of black, and unthinkable length — one of our testers’ lashes were even grazing her face. Talk about covering your bases! Price tag: $22

2.) GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan by Josie Maran: Daily Candy plugs the "philanthro-beauty" aspect of this mascara, which donates a tube to a City of Hope cancer patient/survivor for each one sold and gives you peppy volume and outstanding shine. For those unfamiliar with argan oil, it's produced from the kernels of the argan tree, endemic to Morocco, and is heralded for its nutritive, cosmetic and medicinal properties. How's that for a little natural shine? Price tag: $22

3.) Effortless by Burberry: Not to be redundant, but it appears I'm not the only one who's ready for the British invasion--nor am I the only "marketer's dream" out there, sold by clever packaging. Daily Candy confesses, The goop itself is only slightly above par, but the snazzy case made our tester want to break the age-old taboo of applying in public. I'm going to rationalize this one according to the "above par" part, but you have to admit that the packaging is really, really cool. Price tag: $28

4.) Lights Camera Lashes by Tarte: If Daily Candy has this one pegged correctly, then it's worth its weight in gold--being a "one step" (ie. just one coat!) mascara with the potential to totally simplify my verrry rushed morning beauty regime. Daily Candy can’t verify that your lashes will be exactly 424 percent fuller, but we more than appreciate the major volume. Price tag: $19

5.) Falsies by Maybelline: No, I did not think I would ever be blogging about Maybelline. In fact, I thought I left that pink and green tube behind when I graduated from high school. BUT Daily Candy says this one is worth a try, as its dense volume, recession-friendly price tag, and precisely curved wand, the “life changer” kept our testers jabbering. Personally, I'm hoping that my girl Juliet was wrong--and that there is something in a name--because "Falsies" obviously makes me think of false eyelashes, which are basically the best things everrr. So I'm willing to give good ol' Maybelline another try--especially because it won't break the bank. Maybe we should call this one the drugstore cowboy? Price tag: $7

6.) Virtuôse by Lancôme: Daily Candy raves about this one, We’re not quite sure how it does it — maybe the curved wand, maybe a secret ingredient — but Lancôme Virtuôse provides a stunning daylong curl. (Our tester: “No, really, it’s crazy.”) The bottom line: who has time to use an eyelash curler? Not to mention, those contraptions are indeed scary and treacherous! Price tag: $25

Thanks to those hip stylistas over at Daily Candy, my virtual shopping cart is now totaling $123 in mascara, which is to say nothing for shipping charges. So...it looks like I may have to stagger these lash treatments out over the long term to avoid being that girl who bought over $100 of mascara in one sitting. But I have to say, I'm pretty excited about the cosmetic road ahead, and I have full confidence that my lashes will receive exactly the kind of treatment they deserve. Stay tuned for the debriefing!

All images thanks to Daily Candy (http://www.dailycandy.com/), in order of appearance: (1) Smoky Lash mascara by Make Up Forever $22, available from Sephora (http://www.sephora.com/); (2) GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan mascara by Josie Maran $22, also available from Sephora; (3) Effortless mascara by Burberry $28, available from Burberry (http://us.burberry.com/); (4) Lights Camera Lashes by Tarte $19, also available from Sephora; (5) Falsies by Maybelline $7, available at your local drugstore; (6) Virtuôse by Lancôme $25, available from Lancôme (www.landcome.com).

British Invasion

Mad about plaid? Not to worry, you're amongst friends. Catching up on my fashion magazines this past weekend, the July issue of In Style gave me something to celebrate: this month, Burberry is launching it's very own cosmetics line. Now how's that for a British invasion?

According to Christopher Bailey, Burberry's Creative Director, It started because I felt that, at shows and the shoots, the whole [Burberry] attitude is epitomized through the shoes, the bags, the clothes, the accessories, but then the face was the one thing I really struggled with. When we were doing makeup, I felt like we weren't able to get the right attitude. It was either caked-on makeup or then just the wrong colors, the wrong tones, the wrong spirit for makeup. I wanted it to be this kind of effortless elegance.

Sometimes, when you want something done right, you have to do it yourself--and so Burberry has, with a 96-piece collection that reflects the same ease and class as a Burberry trench. For its freshman year, the Burberry Beauty collection will be sold exclusively at Harrod's in the UK, Nordstrom in the US, and Faces in Hong Kong. Perusing the selection at Nordstrom online, I was captivated by the Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow, whose color selection captures the ease and versatility of the collection and ranges from classic trench coat-inspired shades to smoky metals. In fact, "Trench" is indeed one of the available colors, and seeing how obsessed I am withmy actual trench, I may need to throw in a bit of Burberry eye color for good measure.

In Christopher Bailey's vision, The Burberry girl wears just a trace of makeup — no crazy eyes or crazy lips. This sounds about right to me, especially in the summer when less is more. Granted, I won't know for sure until I actually try it, but I have a good feeling about this... To date, I've never gone wrong with Burberry, and I sort of feel like this may be the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Cheers to the British invasion!



Christopher Bailey, as quoted (1) on Stylelist (http://www.stylelist.com/) and (2) in the New York Times Magazine Blog (http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/). Images, in order of appearance: (1) Burberry advertisement, image thanks to Neverwoodhigh (http://www.neverwoodhigh.com/); (2) Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in No. 6 Almond $29 by Burberry Beauty, available at Nordstrom (http://www.nordstrom.com/); (3) Select products from the Burberry Beauty collection, photograph also from the New York Times Magazine Blog.

The Things We Do For Beauty

Given my penchant for sky-high heels, you may not be surprised to learn that I have uttered the words, "Beauty is pain" on numerous occasions through out my lifetime. However, even crazy masochistic fashionistas have to draw the line somewhere. More precisely, there needs to be a limit to the things we do for beauty. Let me explain...

Catching up on my Fashion & Style headlines from The New York Times earlier today, the words "long lashes" caught my attention. As a lover/coveter of looong, luscious lashes, I'm always in search of the latest and greatest mascara. That being said, I simply had to read this article, which as it turns out, discussed the truth about Latisse.

Now, I know you've seen the ad on TV--the one where Brooke Sheilds touts the benefits of the eyelash drug as the solution to inadequate lashes? Initially, I was curious about the product, but my personal code of beauty conduct simply does not include any measures that I deem remotely sketchy or utterly invasive (think: implants, Botox, and the like). For me, Latisse fell into this category. I mean, I can always have eyelashes applied at the Mac counter if I'm really craving dramatic lashes, but I'm not about to apply some mysterious serum to my lash line, especially when the possible side effects include the risk that my green eyes will turn brown--FOREVER.

Some might call me paranoid, but it seems that my doubts are not unfounded. Hello, remember the part when Brooke advises viewers to "ask a doctor if Latisse is right for them?!" Well, according to the Times article, Latisse is widely available without a doctor's prescription--often online, and with as little as a credit card number. For these individuals who fail to consult their physician, the unwanted side effects can be a rude awakening. One woman had a deep purple discoloration appear on her eyelids and beneath her eyes, making it look like she "hadn't slept in a month." Other side effects, in addition to the permanent brown iris pigmentation I mentioned earlier, include: redness; itchiness and irritation; reactivation of dormant eye inflamation; and even ingrown lashes, which is when lashes get so long they scratch the cornea (ouch!).

The real question is this: are long lashes really worth the risk? As Dr. Andrew G. Iwach, Executive Director of the Glaucoma Center of San Francisco, states in the Times article, Let’s say you use the product once inappropriately, or outside the approved guidelines, you might get away with it, but this drug is being applied repeatedly over weeks, months and potentially years. The consequences, or risk of consequences, add up over time.

I, for one, will NOT be using Latisse. But for those of you lovely ladies who opt for the Brooke Sheilds approach to long lashes, please be sure to seek medical advice first. As Dr. Iwach concludes, When it’s something as personal, something so critical as vision, you don’t want to cut corners.

For more information, click here to read the full article, Long Lashes Without Prescription, But With Risks by Catherine Saint Louis, from the May 1, 2010 edition of The New York Times.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Fabulous fake lashes, photo thanks to Stylefrizz (www.stylefrizz.com); (2) Latisse advertisement featuring Brooke Sheilds, image thanks to Spoiled Pretty (http://spoiledpretty.blogspot.com/); (3) Saturday Night Live parody on Latisse, image thanks to Hollywire (www.hollywire.com).

Wide Eyes for Sleepyheads!

These days, it's all I can do to drag myself out of bed in the morning, and it's a constant project to show up at work on time--and looking bright-eyed and ready for the day. Most days, make-up is my saving grace. I'm sure (hoping?) that applies to many of you working gals out there, and one of these days I'm going to take a poll on your cosmetic secrets... But for now, I'll dish on one of mine: instant wide eyes for sleepyheads!

It's simple, really: white eyeshadow. Just dab a bit of white shadow in the corner of your eyes, and those peepers will look instantly wider, brighter, and--thankfully--more awake. I'm partial to a white shadow that has a bit of metallic for a slightly shimmery, ethereal effect, but truly any old white will do. If you're in the market for a white shadow, my absolute favorite is Crème Lustré, from Landcome's Color Design Sensational Eye Effects collection. It's a warmer white with a subtle gold sheen to it, which works especially well for green-eyed girls like me. But for a bolder effect, go for contrast with something like White Frost from Mac Cosmetics, an icyblast of vivid white.

No matter which white strikes your fancy, this easy trick is guaranteed to work for every sleepyheaded fashionista out there (and believe me, there are a LOT of us!). So forget Starbucks or whatever caffeine god you may worship in the morning; without the extra stop on the way to work, you even have a few more minutes to sleep in! I mean, putting on some eye shadow takes three seconds. And how often can you really say that it's as easy as 1, 2, 3? So do your morning routine a favor, and just try it...

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Model having white eye shadow applied, photo thanks to Last Look Blog (lastlookblog.com); (2) Crème Lustré, from Landcome's Color Design Sensational Eye Effects Collection $17, available online (http://www.landcome-usa.com/); (3) White Frost $14.50 by Mac Cosmetics, available online (http://www.maccosmetics.com/).

Please Mind The Gap

Happy Monday, style mavens! After discussing Paris at length for the last few weeks, I thought that we might kick off this week by dishing about what the Brits are wearing. Between doses of proper English tea (and all the delicious goodies that go with it), Sarah and I were able to fit in a lotttt of shopping into just a few days in London--and with it, a lot of style watching too! Read on for a few trends of note that can easily be incorporated into your spring look...

Punk rock is all the rage amongst crowds of youthful London girls--but they don't make 'em like they used to. Today's punk rock look is a contemporary re-interpretation of the age-old trend, characterized by destroyed tights; bright colors worn in layers; biker jackets; heavy eye make-up; and hair for daysss (in all directions humanly possible, albeit with the help of hairspray). If there was ever such a thing as punk rock couture, then it can be found in London, where rocker is part runway, part imagination, and--at times--utterly feminine. And you know how I love the edgy/girly duality!...

The world is flat. As Sarah reported back in her dispatch from across the pond in September, London "women walk everywhere and for once, their footwear reflects the adage of form following function." But make no mistake, style is not up for negotiation. In fact, I've never seen more variation of flats: neon, patterned, blinged-out bejeweling... You name it, they wear it. Although a heel lover myself, my trip across the pond has made a convert out of me--especially after days of walking and majorly aching feet. I now totally understand the flat appeal: live it, love it--wear them!

Heavy bangs are everywhere, and though I may have had trouble committing to my bangs, the ladies of London are definitely not having the same commitment issues. After observing the ease with which they rocked their edgy cuts, I was half tempted to return to bangs myself--but with summer (and humidity) just around the corner, the necessary maintenance of a heavy bang was a deal breaker for this American girl. I guess I'll leave that one to the British babes.

Ankle boot obsessed: It seems that I have a little something in common with the girls across the pond, for they too are obsessed with ankle boots. I noticed them everywhere, especially in the flat variety (which makes sense, obvi, considering our above discussion of flats). In fact, Elle UK reported that ankle boots will be the summer's surprise fashion hit, especially when worn battered and boyish--like you're not even trying (even though we'll know better).

So there you have it, all the trends you'll need for a charming--yet utterly chic--London style. At least, that's the word according to this fashionista's trend spotting. While not all of these trends work for me, I am most definitely embracing flats this season, which is actually a big change for me (despite all 5 feet and 11 inches of me). Until next time, thanks for stopping by--and please mind the gap.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) London street style, photo thanks to Refinery29 (http://www.refinery29.com/); (2) Studded ballet slippers (a DIY project!), image from the Material Instinct blog (http://materialinstinct.blogspot.com/); (3) Kate Moss, photo from The Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/); (4) London ankle boot street style, photo thanks to Elle UK (www.elleuk.com).